Happy (belated) International Women's Day y'all! Happy Women's History Month! (I wrote this on IWD even though its a day late, so I'm going to focus on it.) I had a whole other post for today about the new Christopher Robin movie and pooh bear and nostalgia but something that happened to me really spurred me on to a topic, so we'll have to rain check that one. I was having a conversation with a customer at my place of work today, and when I wished him a Happy International Women's Day, he responded with "thank you. It's not really for me though." As I was expecting the traditional "you too" or passive nod I usually get, I was taken back by this man's comment and I felt like I had to step back to fully analyze it. This was good right? The acknowledgement that this is a day for women and discussion about women's rights and contributions to society, so it would be good that a cisgendered male would say that it wasn't for him. That's kinda what the day is about right? Taking the focus off of men for a moment to say "look, she did that. She is valid." But, at this point you know the wheels in my head are turning, is that REALLY what the day is about? From my perspective, always, it's been about three main ideas: recognition, appreciation, and discussion. 1. Recognition is the first step. In the past and present, women have faced silencing in media, sciences, education, workplaces, the household, etc. So women's day is a chance to point to those who have made/are making history (or HERstory, as you may say) or even just doing their thing. You don't have to launch someone into space to be an incredible and powerful woman. 2. Appreciation comes with this process, make the women in your life feel loved and appreciated. You should really already be doing this, but sometimes it's nice to set time aside to say or be told "___, you are loved and appreciated. Here's why you're amazing ____, and here's why you make the world a better place ____". Yesterday, I spammed my Instagram story with my own personal inspirations and cheerleaders. Don't feel inspired? Take a moment from the dizziness of everyday life and think about the women who have been around when you needed a hand, a joke or advice, start there. I started slow, but eventually had to stop myself after about 17, so as you can tell I have lots of positive influence in my life and if you look, you'll find yours. 3. Discussion is the final but most crucial piece. What is the point of having a day if we're not going to try to make a change? Look at any news outlet and you'll see references to women's issues, and issues that affect women: abortion, the wage gap/livable wage, gun control, international women's rights marches. I could again go on forever. The point is there is international and national change that can be made on this day, and in this month, that can help further the goal of equality. Talking about it more, taking action and empowering others is what this day is about. I personally donated to the WIN House and attempted to started discussion in my own life about issues, every small step counts. So was this man's comment fair? Is International Women's Day not for him? I think the day is as much for him as anyone else. My hot take: if anyone is a true ally or supporter of women they can contribute to the recognition, appreciation and discussion. They can take a moment to understand female history, send appreciation and love to the strong women in their lives that inspire them, and they can use their privilege to help with discussion and movement. It's everyone's job to fight for the equality of every female. Women's day is not just for CisWomen, or Caucasian women. We have to learn to fight for all women when we have our opportunity to strike. Fight for women regardless of their country of origin, the colour of their skin and the language they speak. Fight for women that are transitioning and thriving in their realized gender reassignment and for LGBTQ+ women. Fight for women of every level of education, every age, every demographic of female power. Please, fight for each other. And celebrate each other! Just because you missed yesterday's celebrations doesn't mean you can't reach out today! I was late, you can be too. Here I'll help with a template: "Hey ___, I was just wanting to let you know that I think you're _____, _______ and ______. Without you, I wouldn't have been/be able to ___________________ and you've helped make me into ___________. You are loved, you are valid. Happy (late) International Women's Day, and Happy Women's History Month. Love, ____" Thank you for listening to my hot take on IWD, what are your opinions? Let me know in the comments below! Also, tell me about an incredible female that inspires you, I'd love to hear all about it! BONUS: To end today's post here are Six (6) impressive women that we should talk about more and you should google after you read this. I chose these three historical figures and three current female inspiration to start you down the rabbit hole (and because I read a lot about them today when I was researching and I think that they're all pretty badass)(Also, I could go on for days but I'm narrowing it down to four, you're welcome). Click their photos to find out more! Historical
Current
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |